MC Alger head coach Khaled Ben Yahia has claimed that his side dominated Orlando Pirates, "the team everyone feared", across both legs of their CAF Champions League quarter-final tie.
Pirates progressed to the semi-finals on Wednesday night following a goalless draw in the second leg against MC Alger.
The South African giants advanced 1-0 on aggregate and will now face Egyptian side Pyramids FC later this month.
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However, tempers flared after the final whistle at Orlando Stadium, with both benches clashing on the pitch.
Members of the South African Police Service were called in to defuse the situation.
Upon the team’s return to Algeria, Ben Yahia insisted his side had outplayed Pirates over the two legs, according to Echorouk El Yawmi.
“We delivered a performance that honours both Algerian and African football. It was an excellent match in every respect,” Ben Yahia said.
“Orlando Pirates, the team everyone feared, we dominated them both home and away. We created numerous scoring chances, but unfortunately struggled with finishing.
“Mouloudia has proven it has the physical and technical ability to compete with the continent’s top clubs. We must keep working hard to maintain this level and aim to reach the semi-finals in the future.”
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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